Reckless Yes co-founder, journalist, author and broadcaster Sarah Lay has joined the Women Amplified panel event taking place in Derby on 25 September 2018.
Talking about working in the music industry, with a focus on radio, and challenges to women in this sector. Other panellists include radio-makers Sophie Sparham, Stephanie Hernandez and Vanessa Book; musicians Sue Warren and Jo Lewis; owner of Noisy Girls Recording Studios Meri Everitt.
Of joining the panel Sarah said, “Having worked in the music industry for the last twenty years as a journalist, editor, broadcaster, artist manager and record label there is still much work to be done to empower women to be successful and supported in their careers, or to have their voices and experiences heard as creatives.
“As a journalist, editor, broadcaster and label I’ve been keen to listen for the smaller voices – those less heard or able to raise themselves – of which women make up a group. As an individual I’ve found I’ve had to work harder to justify my position, to be heard, and to not be overlooked due to my gender.
“While things are changing and there are brilliant growing networks around to support – Get In Her Ears, Loud Women and Fan Club among them – as well as publications focused on supporting women in music – She Shreds, Tom Tom, and Girl Fiend – there is still a long way to go and I’m pleased to be part of a panel discussing this in a positive and nurturing way, with an eye on activism as well as support.”
Sarah was the first female editor of Louder Than War and operationally led the online publication for five years as it partnered with print and grew its readership. She is also founder-editor of local culture publication Storge, and writes for publications including Loud & Quiet and Drowned in Sound. She founded Reckless Yes Records with Pete Darrington in 2016, alongside who she co-produced weekly radio show The Rumble.
The Women Amplified event is organised by International Women’s Day Derby – run entirely by dedicated unpaid volunteers including and led by Vanessa Boon as part of a wider Woman2Woman project to boost Derby women’s participation in activism, public life and areas of under representation; this is all funded from a grant that our volunteers successfully applied for from Rosa UK. The group are delivering 30 other events for this project spanning a five-week women’s radio skills course, the Rebel Women’s Choir, activism and craftivism workshops, trips to protest marches for women’s rights and inspiring speakers and campaign skillshares.
The Women Amplified event is free and you can book your place through this link: womenamplified.eventbrite.com.
